Bob W wrote:
...wise or foolish? Discuss.
I'm going skiing for the first time at the end of February. I expect the
Alps to be alive with the sound of the James Bond theme within about 5
minutes of me strapping the planks to my feet.
Anyway, I will take a couple of film cameras. I assume that it is unwise to
ski with a camera round my neck, but presumably I could carry one in a small
backpack, next to the parachute. I imagine also that it will be quite
difficult to take pictures with ski gloves on.
Does anybody have any experiences, hints and tips about Alpine-style
photography that they'd like to share, please?
--
Thanks,
Bob-Claude Killy
First time I went skiing with my then 6 year old son I didn't take my
camera with me for a day or two when I was taking lessons with an
instructor. After I learned how to brake and take basic turns I started
carrying my Bessa R, and - a year later - MX in a Domke F-5XB bag. The
bag is better than backpack IMHO as it allows for a quicker reach for a
camera when you, for example, want to take a picture of somebody skiing
with you. Also, there is nothing near your backbone should you fall on
your back. :-)
Several thoughts:
- do check your gear in a low temperature before you leave. What can
cause trouble are cloth type shutters (I discovered my freshly CLA'd MX
doesn't have 1/1000 sec when used in -10C) and SLR style aperture
mechanisms in lenses - after lubricants freeze they can simply not close
quick enough causing overexposures,
- if you are after people photography, like I do, try to learn to ski
backwards. It is really simple even for a beginner and skiing along as
your skiing friends are slowly passing you by gives you much more
chances for a shot than just standing in one point,
- if you like taking low-angle shots do bring a refconverter with you -
it is near to impossible to crouch in stiff skiing shoes.
--
Pawel
